Cleaning apparatus with changeable head

ABSTRACT

A cleaning device having (1) a handle which is configured to conform to the curvature of the human hand when the hand is griping the handle, (2) a cleaning pad, and (3) an attachment for attaching said cleaning pad to handle. Both the handle and the cleaning element can be changed for varying jobs and/or after they become worn or uncomfortable.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This field of this invention relates to the use of a scrubbing brush for cleaning, scouring and polishing a variety of surfaces that can be found in household, commercial, industrial or hospital applications, including utensils, floors, walls, ceilings, and other various flat or curved surfaces. The present invention provides an efficient cleaning apparatus that is easier and more comfortable to use then conventional scrubber brushes as well as having a replaceable head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A major drawback with using a conventional scrubbing brush is that in the course of cleaning various surfaces all such devices receive a great deal of pressure and wear and tear on their cleaning surface. This wear and tear can cause the device to loose its efficacy during any period of extended use and require frequent replacement. Having to replace the entire cleaning instrument, including its otherwise still functional handle, is unnecessarily costly as well as environmentally undesirable. Another drawback of the conventional design is that when a user applies pressure for relatively long periods of time while cleaning a particular surface, the user's hand will become sore, callous and/or blister.

It should be noted that the prior art discussed below is used for the purposes of illustration.

In the prior art, cleaning devices with detachable heads can be found. These cleaning devices, however, have detachable scouring pads that are made from steel wool, brass wool, plastic or the like. For example, one such device has a vertical handle fixed to a circular base in which attachment of the scouring pad is achieved by employing a series of teeth like metal prongs attached to the bottom of the base in a circular fashion near its perimeter. The prongs are bent parallel to the base so that they can penetrate and hold a scouring pad which is pressed against the base and rotated in a direction toward the points of the teeth.

The teeth or prongs, being large in size and few in number, are unsuitable for penetrating and holding softer cleaning pads such as sponges and felt pads. This method of attachment also has the disadvantage that the scouring pads can come loose during the application of the circular motions and horizontal forces frequently applied during scouring and cleaning flat surfaces. Also, the handle is vertical and not ergonomically correct for the constant pressure required during the use of the device. A handle of this kind will force the user to grasp it and apply pressure in an unnatural direction.

Other prior arts teach the use of detachable felt pads placed on the polishing heads of glass polishing machinery. The means of attachment involves attaching a textile fabric or sheet, which presents numerous, upstanding loops of flexible, resilient fiber that has been cut to form hooks, to the polishing heads of glass polishing machinery. Such hooks are capable of engaging numerous uncut, upstanding loops hanging from a woven textile sheet affixed to the back of a felt polishing pad by means of stitching, stapling or an adhesive. The flexible, resilient nature and large number of the hooks and loops permits engagement and disengagement when they are pressed together or pulled apart. The device is intended for use in a factory setting, on a fixed floor or bench-mounted machine to polish movable glass objects and not for manual cleaning or polishing.

Further prior arts describe hand held, manually operated cleaning devices or applicators with detachable cleaning pads. These devices employ, for the purposes of cleaning pad attachment to the applicator, a multiplicity of small, spaced apart impaling spikes, or points, integrally molded with and part of the otherwise flat surface of the applicator's head. These points or spikes are further described as having outwardly extending burrs at their tips, extending at roughly right angles to the spikes, which are able to penetrate and engage a layer of fibers on one side of the cleaning pad when pressed against it. These burrs thereby prevent the lateral movement of the pad.

A main feature of the above device is its spikes or points with extending burs being a molded part of the applicator head as opposed to being attached to the head with an adhesive, as part of a separate sheet. A significant limitation lies in the handle design which is described as elongated and only being capable of being grasped from the side.

The prior art also has another hand held cleaning device with an essentially flat topped handle projecting from the top surface of the device's base. The handle is contoured so that the handle narrows as it approaches the base, thereby presenting a channel between its flat top and the base to accept at least part of a thumb and a finger. The handle is capable of being grasped by the hand when the palm is placed across its essentially flat top, which has also been hollowed out to create an opening in which to fit a frictionally fitting, elongated extension handle. The device also employs detachable pads that are attachable to the bottom surface of the device's flat base, which has glued to it a circular sheet bearing a plurality of hook like elements. These hooks are capable of attachment to a looped fastener fabric, which is in turn attached, by adhesive or otherwise, to a water absorbent sponge. Attachment occurs much in the same manner as when “Velcro” is employed to obtain attachment. The hooks are also described as being capable of direct attachment to the loops of a stainless steel loose curled sponge. This device is limited in its use because its flat top becomes uncomfortable when a person who is grasping it has to apply any significant amount of downward pressure and use it for a long period of time. The extension handle is also limited; because its angle to the cleaning surface limits the downward pressure it can accept.

Another ergonomic cleaning device with multiple cleaning surfaces is also contained in the prior art. This device is in the shape of a pyramid or tetrahedron and has a tetrahedral shaped core, which is made of a squeezable fluid absorbing substance such as sponge. Multiple triangular shaped and replaceable scrubbing surfaces are attached to the various faces of the core. The scrubbing surface is attached to the core with hot glue for permanency, stitching, as well the trademarked product “Velcro” which make these surfaces easily detachable. The scrubbing surfaces contemplated include different types of scouring pads, terry cloth, copper wool, steel wool and various sponge materials. The disadvantages of the device are several. The tetrahedral shape, composed of triangular pieces, does not adequately conform to the inner surface of the grasping hand reducing hand comfort and efficiency. The detachable feature of these cleaning surfaces, being mounted on a relatively soft and malleable core, are a further limitation since they are being directly held by the grasping hand and, therefore, are more prone to detachment as the hand moves back and forth during cleaning strokes. The user's hand being in more direct contact with any detergent or other fluids on these surfaces, as carried by the absorbent core, will necessitate the user's wearing of protective gloves at essentially all times.

Finally, there is a hand held device with a detachable sponge exclusively designed for applying and removing, from the skin, topical compositions such as makeup, lotions and other beauty aids. Its object is to provide a sanitary and pleasurable means for applying and removing such cosmetic materials. It is described as consisting of a handle, a base, a sponge and a cap that can fit over the sponge when it is not in use. The handle, the purpose of which is said to be precision, is elongated, projecting from the base at any angle from 0 to 180 degrees, with 30 to 60 degrees preferred. The replaceable sponge is attached to the bottom of the base by means of the sponge having on one of its sides one part of a two component fastening device, such as a clip, snap or “Velcro” (hook and loop material) strip. The other part of the fastening device is attached to the center of the bottom of the base of the handle. When the sponge is attached to the base and not in use, it can be covered by the cap, which fits into slots on the outer perimeter of the base. When a “Velcro” strip fixed to the base is used for attachment, it is described as being an approximately 0.5 inch square on an approximately 1.5 inch square base. The surface area provided for attachment of the cleaning sponge is smaller than the sponge surface, and the elongated handle has no ergonomic features, as does the present invention. The design is primarily for precision and is not useful for heavy duty cleaning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The prior arts discussed above do not attempt to solve the problems that the present invention is designed to answer. The present invention is directed towards an ergonomically shaped hand scrubber with a replaceable cleaning head. The present invention provides a more comfortable, economical, and efficient surface cleaning device.

For example, the present invention is an apparatus for cleaning comprising holding means for allowing a user to hold said apparatus, said holding means is configured to conform to the curvature of the human hand when said hand is griping said holding means. The present invention also comprises at least one scouring pad and attaching means for attaching said scouring pad to said holding means.

The at least one scouring pad is a plurality of mesh sheets held together by wire mounted on a top surface of said at least one scouring pad, wherein usually the scouring pad is round or oval.

The holding means is a generally spherical shaped, arcuate or elongated.

The attaching means is either a removable glue-like substance for temporarily adhering said scouring pads to holding means or an elongated handle that includes an inner portion and an outer portion wherein said inner portion is split into two elongated members held together by a hinge. The hinge allows said inner portion to open and close. The outer portion fits over said inner portion when the inner portion is in a closed position. To attach a scouring pad in this embodiment, at least one scouring pad is placed between the two elongated members. The inner portion is then closed. This locks said scouring pad in place. The outer portion is then placed over the inner portion when said inner portion is in a closed position, thereby locking the elongated handle in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of preferred embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which the handle is in the shape which most resembles the inside of a human hand.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which the handle is elongated.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which the handle is curved and attached on both ends to a scouring device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which the handle is elongated and has means for detaching the scouring head that is round.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of FIG. 4 in an opened position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which the handle is elongated and has means for detaching the scouring head that is oval.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of FIG. 6 in an open position.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a scouring pad used in the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards an ergonomically shaped hand scrubber with a replaceable cleaning head. The present invention provides a more comfortable, economical, and efficient surface cleaning device.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein a handle 1 is in the shape of a human palm providing a more comfortable gripping mechanism. The space 3 between the handle 1 and the base plate 2 allows for the fingers of the user's hand to better curl under the handle 1 allowing the user to have a better overall grip. The cleaning member 5 is seen to be further comprised of an upper attaching surface 6 and a cleaning or scouring pad 4.

The cleaning surface 4 is attached to the base plate 2 by temporarily affixing the cleaning surface 4 to the base plate 2 with a removable glue-like substance, such as a rubber cement or epoxy.

FIG. 8 shows a scouring pad 21 used in the present invention. The scouring pad is a material made up of sheets of mesh tied together with a piece of wire 22. The wire can either be tied at the top (not shown) or tied through or around the middle of the mesh. The scouring pad 21 may be round, oval or any shape that may help in the cleaning of a surface

FIG. 2 shows a cleaning brush having an elongated handle 10. The cleaning member 13 comprises an upper attaching surface 14 and a cleaning surface 11. The cleaning surface 11 is attached to the base plate 14 by temporarily affixing the cleaning surface 11 to the base plate 14 with a removable glue-like substance 12, such as a rubber cement or epoxy.

In FIG. 2, the elongated handle 10 is made of molded plastic and is roughly oblong in shape. The design has a curved top surface 15 that is specifically designed to conform to and comfortably fit the inside surface of a grasping hand. A space or channel is created between the handle 10 and the base plate 14 by a connecting column 16. This space is capable of accepting at least part of the ends of the fingers of the user's hand when the handle is grasped from above. The space, in combination with the curved surface of the handle, enables the user to obtain both a firm and ergonomically comfortable grip on the invention.

The above placement of the handle results in the strongest connection between the handle and the base plate. This would be more suitable for tough heavy cleaning jobs, where high pressure scrubbing is required.

FIG. 3 shows a cleaning brush having an arcuate handle 31. The arcuate handle 31 connects to three scouring pads 32. The scouring pads 32 are attached to the base 33 with a removable glue-like substance for temporarily adhering said scouring pads to said arucuate handle.

In FIG. 3, the arcuate handle 31 is made of molded plastic. The design has a curved surface that is specifically designed to conform to and comfortably fit the inside surface of a grasping hand. A space or channel is created between the handle 31 and the base plate 33. This space is capable of accepting at least part of the ends of the fingers of the user's hand when the handle is grasped from above. The space, in combination with the curved surface of the handle, enables the user to obtain both a firm and ergonomically comfortable grip on the invention. The design is used for heavy duty scrubbing of surfaces with a large area such as a floor or wall.

In FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a cleaning member can be seen to be attached to the bottom of the base plate and extend somewhat beyond the outer perimeter of the base to facilitate its reaching into corners and under overhanging structures.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the scrubbing brush 40 possesses a designed handle with means of attachment to a round cleaning member 43. The means of attachment of the handle 45 to the cleaning member 43 includes inner handle 42 with a hinged portion 44 and an outer portion 41 which is placed over the distal end of the inner portion 42 and locks the inner portion in place.

Specifically, the elongated handle 45 includes an inner portion 42 and an outer portion 41 wherein said inner portion 42 is split into two elongated members 42 a, 42 b held together by a hinge 44. The hinge 44 allows the inner portion 42 to open and close. The outer portion 41 fits over the inner portion 42 when said inner portion 42 is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 4.

A scouring pad 43 is attached to the elongated handle 45 by placing the scouring pad 43 between the two elongated members 42 a and 42 b and closing said inner portion 42. This action locks the scouring pad 43 in place. The outer portion 41 is then placed over the inner portion 42 when said inner portion 42 is in a closed position, thereby locking the elongated handle 45 in place.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the scrubbing brush 60 possesses a designed handle with means of attachment to an oval cleaning member 63. The means of attachment of the handle 65 to the cleaning member 63 includes inner handle 62 with a hinged portion 64 and an outer portion 61 which is placed over the distal end of the inner portion 62 and locks the inner portion in place.

Specifically, the elongated handle 65 includes an inner portion 62 and an outer portion 61 wherein said inner portion 62 is split into two elongated members 62 a, 62 b held together by a hinge 64. The hinge 64 allows the inner portion 62 to open and close. The outer portion 61 fits over the inner portion 62 when said inner portion 62 is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 6.

A scouring pad 63 is attached to the elongated handle 65 by placing the scouring pad 63 between the two elongated members 62 a and 62 b and closing said inner portion 62. This action locks the scouring pad 63 in place. The outer portion 61 is then placed over the inner portion 62 when said inner portion 62 is in a closed position, thereby locking the elongated handle 65 in place.

Detachment of the cleaning element in FIGS. 4 and 6 is achieved by removing the outer portion 41, 61 and opening the inner portion 42, 62. The used pad can be discarded and a new pad can be placed in the inner handle. The cleaning member is replaced when it becomes worn. The handle need not be replaced.

The advantages this embodiment is the ability to offer the simultaneous use of an efficient scrubbing, scouring, or polishing surface together with the use of an absorbent material that can take up, hold, and release detergents or other fluids together with a secure means of attachment to the handle.

In the foregoing description of the invention, reference to the drawings, certain terms, have been used for clarity, conciseness and comprehension. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied from or because of the terms used, beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Furthermore, the description and illustration of the invention are by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown, represented, or described.

While the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited but rather includes any and all changes and modifications thereto which would be apparent to those skilled in the art and which come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A apparatus for cleaning comprising: a. holding means for allowing a user to hold said apparatus, said holding means configured to conform to the curvature of the human hand when said hand is griping said holding means; b. at least one cleaning pad; and c. attaching means for attaching said cleaning pad to said holding means.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one cleaning pad is a plurality of mesh sheets held together by wire.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one cleaning pad is round.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one cleaning pad is oval.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said holding means is a generally spherical shaped handle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attaching means is a removable glue-like substance for temporarily adhering said cleaning pads to said generally spherical shaped handle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the holding means is an arcuate handle.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said arcuate handle connects to three cleaning pads.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the attaching means is a removable glue-like substance for temporarily adhering said cleaning pads to said arucuate handle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the holding means is an elongated handle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the attaching means is a removable glue-like substance for temporarily adhering said cleaning pads to said elongated handle.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said elongated handle includes an inner portion and an outer portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said inner portion is split into two elongated members held together by a hinge, said hinge allows said inner portion to open and close.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said outer portion fits over said inner portion when said inner portion is in a closed position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said at least one cleaning pad is attached to said elongated handle by placing said cleaning pad between the two elongated members and closing said inner portion, thereby locking said cleaning pad in place.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said outer portion is placed over the inner portion when said inner portion is in a closed position, thereby locking the elongated handle in place.
 17. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the holding means is an elongated handle.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the attaching means is a removable glue-like substance for temporarily adhering said cleaning pads to said elongated handle.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said elongated handle includes an inner portion and an outer portion.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said inner portion is split into two elongated members held together by a hinge, said hinge allows said inner portion to open and close.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said outer portion fits over said inner portion when said inner portion is in a closed position.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said at least one cleaning pad is attached to said elongated handle by placing said cleaning pad between the two elongated members and closing said inner portion, thereby locking said cleaning pad in place.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said outer portion is placed over the inner portion when said inner portion is in a closed position, thereby locking the elongated handle in place. 